McGehee added that if anyone is running a high fever, they need to visit their doctor.

“If they go to the doctor quickly, a lot of time they can get on anti-virals,” she said.

It is important to stay home for 24 hours after a fever has broken, McGehee said. This does not count is someone is using aspirin or acetaminophen to reduce the fever, she added.

In order to combat patients getting the flu on top of other symptoms, St Anthony Shawnee Hospital is requesting visitors limit their visits and stay away all together if they aren’t feeling well, Vicki Milliken, Director of Infection Prevention, said.

The measure is designed to protect vulnerable patients, as well as staff members, while the flu is beginning to spread in the community, she added.

Additionally, the hospital offers these types to help people stay healthy and avoid the flu.

• Wash your hands frequently using warm water and soap, scrubbing all surfaces for about 15-20 seconds. Some flu viruses can live up to two hours on surfaces such as desks, phones and door knobs. When soap and water are not available, hand sanitizers containing 60- 90 percent ethyl alcohol or isopropanol may be used.